Google Chrome Browser Extensions Busy Professionals Should Check Out

Google Chrome Browser Extensions Busy Professionals Should Check Out

By Don Reisinger

Google's Brand-New Password Alert

Google's recently launched Password Alert extension—which is free, like all the others in this roundup—analyzes Web pages and alerts users when it detects a possible phishing scam. If a Gmail account password is input into another site, Password Alert tells the user, asking him to reset his Gmail password so it cannot be stolen. Some security experts have duped Password Alert, but Google continues to update it to sidestep any potential flaws.
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Edit Documents, Spreadsheets and More With Office Editing

For business professionals who use Google's productivity suite, Office Editing for Docs, Sheets and Slides could come in handy. When a user opens a Word, Excel or PowerPoint file, Office Editing automatically directs it to Google Docs, Sheets or Slides, and lets users edit it. Office Editing, developed by Google, so far has proved popular, with nearly 1.4 million users.

ZenMate for the Security-Conscious

Those looking for a security solution may want to consider ZenMate Security. The extension, which has more than 3.3 million users, automatically hides the user's IP address for additional privacy. Plus, it automatically encrypts Web traffic, blocks malware and prevents third-party sites from tracking the user. It's a full-featured security extension.

It's Time to Create a PDF With Adobe Acrobat

The Adobe Acrobat extension lets users create a PDF file from scratch from within the browser. An icon pops up next to the address bar, and when the user clicks on it, she can automatically convert the Web page to a PDF. From there, the user can edit the document and more. However, be aware that this extension works only on Windows.

LastPass Handles All of Your Passwords

LastPass is one of the more well-known password security apps in the world. The extension saves users' passwords in a secure repository and automatically populates credentials whenever they go to a site. The extension will also auto-login users and sync passwords on any device running Chrome and LastPass.

WebProtector Is Another Phishing Protector

Another somewhat popular anti-phishing extension is WebProtector. The extension adds an icon next to the address bar and displays a pop-up after analyzing a site. If a site isn't a phishing site, WebProtector will say that it's "safe." A phishing site will yield a warning that the page "is not safe."
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Expensify Web Receipts Tracks Your Expenses

Expensify comes in handy for anyone who often buys products online for his business and wants to quickly track receipts. After making a purchase online, users need only to click the Expensify icon, and the service will catalog the receipt. Better yet, if users import credit cards into the system, Expensify will automatically examine purchase information and assign it to the correct card.

Keep All Your Tasks in One Place With Asana

Asana's Chrome task management extension is a way to quickly add tasks while in the browser. Once a user is on a Web page, she can add that particular page to a previously specified task. The app also includes support for a text box where users can input additional information about the task. There's even a feature for users to assign tasks to others.

Todoist for Gmail Keeps Your Tasks in One Place

Todoist is an extension built for Google's Gmail email platform. The app is essentially a to-do list tracker that sits inside Gmail and keeps people abreast of what they need to accomplish. It also comes with the ability to email tasks to a Todoist account and a syncing feature that ensures all tasks are kept up-to-date across devices.

Blur Is All About Data Security

Blur is similar to LastPass in that it securely stores passwords, but it also includes several other tools. For one, the app safely stores credit card information and stops the sharing of that data with Web pages. The service also blocks third-party companies from collecting browsing information and adds extra privacy while surfing.

Google's recent announcement of the anti-phishing Chrome extension Password Alert has renewed interest in apps that can expand the functionality of the browser. Software users frequently look for ways to get more out of software whether it is for work or personal productivity. One of the best ways to do that with Web browsers is to expand the platform with extensions. Google has arguably done the best job of late bringing more developers into the Chrome mix. The company's Chrome Web store is filled with extensions across several topic areas and has enough enterprise-focused extensions for companies to get more out of Google's browser than they might expect. With help from third-party developers, Chrome is actually an easily extendable browser with add-ons that could appeal to many business users. This slide show covers some of the more notable Chrome extensions and how they may come in handy for enterprise users. From security to enhanced productivity, the following extensions promise a better Chrome experience for professionals.

Don Reisinger is a freelance technology columnist. He started writing about technology for Ziff-Davis' Gearlog.com. Since then, he has written extremely popular columns for CNET.com, Computerworld, InformationWeek, and others. He has appeared numerous times on national television to share his expertise with viewers. You can follow his every move at http://twitter.com/donreisinger.